Saturday

Another routine Saturday. 

Up early to see Lisa D. and get my haircut.

Breakfast at Chick-fil-a.

Walk in the park with Jasper.

Grocery shopping.

I did manage to break out of the rut a bit and went shopping for new running shoes.  Tomorrow is May 1st, and I've set a goal to run every day (at least until July).  My old shoes were so worn out, this seemed like the perfect way to motivate myself.

Royal Wedding

Ok, I admit it.

After being awakened from a strange dream at 5:50 am, I turned on the TV and was sucked into the Royal Wedding spectacle.

It was actually kind of nice.  The bride was beautiful.  The pomp and circumstance was the stuff of envy.  All in all, jolly good show.  I'm actually a bit jealous that we don't have that sort of tradition over here, but at least it saves us billions of dollars.  To be wasted elsewhere I suppose.

Here's wishing the bride and groom years of happiness.

1 More Day...

I can't believe we're so close to having the royal wedding over and done with.  Of course then we'll have to deal with the endless recaps.

I'm so jealous though.  I was on a conference call with a U.K. colleague today and found out they have a holiday Monday---in addition to the one tomorrow.  It just doesn't seem fair.  My bank reconizes only 7 or 8 per year.

Bugger.

Hump Day Again

It's my 4th favorite day of the week-Hump Day.  After Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of course.

Today I had a dental appointment with Dr. Kandl.  It was quick and pain-free.  He's such a good dentist, but I think I've become a very good patient now that I floss religiously.  So kids, the dentist is not kidding.  Daily flossing is the key to good dental hygiene.

Two more workdays until Friday.  Hopefully Friday will be calm since my douchebag business partners in the U.K. will be wrapped up with that wedding.  Here's hoping...

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

Today is my friend Sharon's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Sharon!

In other new, it was another busy workday.  I called it quits at 4 pm and went to pick up Fletcher's ashes.  Now I just need to find the perfect urn.

It's good to have him back though, even if it is just ashes.  Poor little thing.  Still missing him...

Monday

I have nothing good to say.  It was a funky Monday for obvious reasons, in addition to the usual Monday crap.

If I make it through the week without snapping, it will be a minor miracle.

I have to pick up Fletcher's ashes tomorrow.

Wednesday I have a dentist appointment.

Friday is the damned Royal Wedding.  I never thought I'd say this, but I'm sick of hearing about it.  Maybe I'll be in the spirit by Friday.  But certainly not enough to wake up at 4 am when coverage begins.

Easter

Happy Easter!

It continues to feel empty around the house.  Life without Fletcher is just not the same.  Jasper is holding up as well as can be expected.  He's not acting up or misbehaving.  Every now and then he looks behind when getting ready to go out for a walk, as if he's waiting for Fletchie to come along.

I have not seem him lie on his bed since.  I don't think he wants to be in that general area, preferring to sleep in the bathroom or kitchen.  I'm hoping that he just prefers to cooler surface.

We went for a walk at the park today.  Afterwards, it was a quick grocery trip to Wal-Mart.  I was disappointed in the lack of available leftover Easter candy.  I did manage to procure 3 boxes of Bubble Gum Eggs.

"The Wizard of Oz" was on this afternoon.  I didn't watch all of it, just the pre-tornado bit.  I got really pissed off at that wicked Miss Gulch.  First of all, if that ugly old bitch came into my home and tried to take my dog, I would have beat her fugly ass into the ground.

I was secretly hoping that Toto had taken a shit in her basket before he managed to escape.

What made me the angriest was seeing Dorothy acting like a pussy-assed little victim, crying in her bedroom after her dog had been kidnapped.  If that had been me, I would have instantly begun plotting my revenge.  Secretly concocting a plan to break my dog out Miss Gulch's house, escaping just after I soaked it in kerosene and torched the place.

Much more dramatic and satisfying than throwing a bucket of water on her.

Farewell, Fletcher

Today was such a sad day.  I knew it was coming, but I didn't expect it this soon.  Poor Fletcher had to be put to sleep.

His little body just couldn't take it anymore.  His arthritis was getting the better of him.  In the end, I knew it was over when he started refusing food.  Eggs.  Peanut butter.  Canned food with tuna juice.  Nothing was appealing.

I spent over an hour this morning brushing him, and engaging in his favorite activity---DOGGIE MASSAGE!!!  He'd pick his little head up and look at me, then collapse back down.  He couldn't even lick my face, which is a first.

He couldn't keep down the water that he had managed to drink, so I knew it was time for a trip to the vet.

I've never met a sweeter dog.  He was 14 and led a very full life.  Despite his size, he was definitely a lover, and not a fighter.  Just in the past few years, he was attacked twice by pitbulls here in the parking lot, and once outside the vet.  Each time, he never fought back.  He just took the brunt of the attacks and defended his family.

It's been a while since I've cried so much.  I'm going to miss him lying near me while I work each day.  I'll miss his little hops, the best he could manage since he could no longer jump up and down.  I'll miss his little cries every morning, letting everyone know that it's time to wake up.  I'll miss giving him doggie massages, and cleaning up the lumps of black hair that he constantly shed.  I'll miss laughing at him while he was staring at the walls, happy and high on his pain medication.  And don't get me started on his expert ability to scam for treats.

I'll miss you Fletcher.  Thanks for all the good years, and thank you for letting us know that it was time for you to go.  I never wanted to spend my Saturday this way, or any day for that matter, but I'm glad that the vet made you a terrific final cocktail.  You looked so peaceful.

I love you Biggie, and we miss you already!

Friday

Friday at last!

It's been a tough week, but I survived.  My reward was dinner downtown at Jestine's Kitchen.  I had not been there in ages.  Fried chicken, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and about 2 gallons of sweet tea are enough to make enough forget the trauma of a week's worth of work.

And to top it off, I had Baskin Robbins ice cream for dessert.

The final stop on the way home was at the Harris Teeter, where I took advantage of the awesome VIC special of the week.  30 eggs for $2.50.  It must be the Easter special.  I won't be dying eggs, but it was tempting.

Fletcher had to go to the vet today.  His leg is hurt and he is not eating.  It's not looking good for the poor thing, and I'm so depressed about it.  I even made him some scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and he turned his nose at it.

I predict some sad times ahead.

More Storms

We're definitely approaching summertime in the South.  Or maybe I should say we're being thrust into it.  Today we had a lovely afternoon thunderstorm, complete with hail.  It was awesome.  Maybe I should check on my car before saying that. 

I had another busy day at work, one of endless conference calls that sucked the last ounce of life from my telephone battery.  One day left.

I heard the best news this evening.  The season premiere of "Jerseylicious" is May 15.  That just may help me get through what is looking to be a tough month.

Tired

I am the early bird who did not get the worm.

I am exhausted.  For some strange reason, I was wide awake at 3:50 am and could not go back to sleep.  So I watched TV.  surfed the net.  Finally showered, got dressed, packed, ate breakfast, and checked out of the hotel.

Apologies to my colleagues.  I was grumpier than usual.  I slept at 3 and arrived home shortly before 7 pm.  The drive was a blur. 

So now I am ready for sleep.

Tuesday

Tuesday.  My last night away from home.  Good dang thing, because I'm tired of waking up at odd hours of the night in a strange environment.  It's not like I'm a twentysomething party guy anymore.

I just checked into my new hotel near the South Charlotte office.  Leaving the office so late combined with my extreme laziness should be great for my diet.  I just couldn't be bothered to go foraging for food. 

Therefore, I will just go to bed hungry.

Office Space

What a long day.  After finally falling asleep around 11:30 pm last night, I had the misfortune of waking up at 5:00 am.  I made it into the office by 7 am.

It was a busy day of course.  Besides making the usual rounds, catching up with friends and colleagues, I had the usual slew of conference calls.

The highlight of my day, as always in the Uptown office, was mocking the post-graduate school fratboys who make up out Finance department.  These guys are nice enough young whippershnappers.  They are full of youthful energy and are generally well-groomed, even if they do sport too-tight trousers purchased from Banana Republic.  However, their behavior reminds me of watching puppies playing.

I typically book the conference room across from their section just for the entertainment value, although it is pretty shocking that the financial success of my bank is in their hands.

Sample conversation:

Fratboy 1: Dude, did you go out last night?

Fratboy 2: Yeah dude, we stayed out until 3 and got so wasted.  We ran into T-Bone and Stan.

Fratboy 1: Dude, sweet!  You going out tonight?

Fratboy 2:  Yeah dude, call us and we can hookup for dollar drafts.

You get the picture.  As if eavesdropping on the highly intellectual conversation were not entertaining enough, I get to watch them socializing from desk to desk, furthering their bromances by tossing around a football.

Office services has sent an email asking whoever is on the 14th floor and throwing a football to cease such activity as it is wreaking havoc on the ceiling tiles.  Yet they continue.

I think I'll be a grumpy old bitch and narc them out with an anonymous email.

Dinner With Jay-Z

What a busy Sunday.  I just arrived in Charlotte, where I'll be spending a few exciting days in the office.

On the way here, I stopped for dinner with the parents, my sister, and Little Jay-Z.  Jaylee had a blast playing with her favorite uncle.  She received an early Easter basket, popped into her holiday couture, and spent a few minutes posing for some pictures.

Lookout Tyra, here comes America's Next Top Baby Model.

In sporting news, congratulations to the South Carolina Gamecock baseball team for clinching the series this afternoon against top-ranked Vanderbilt.  Also kudos to Rafael Nadal for winning the title in Monte-Carlo for the seventh year in a row.

Saturday was a Scream

My favorite day of the week, Saturday, began with a familiar bi-weekly ritual.  I stepped out of the hacienda to be greeted by the pollen-covered mess pictured below.  Off for a quick vehicular soaking at the Wando Car Wash.

I then headed downtown to the barbershop.  Lisa D. did me right.  Here's an after pic of the newly cleaned car parked on Broad Street.  What a difference 7 quarters and 10 minutes can make.

Such early morning productivity deserved a Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit, as if I needed an excuse.

This afternoon, I went to see "Scream 4", the latest reminder that we all are getting old very quickly.  Cougar extraordinaire Courtney Cox and Neve Campbell are both looking a bit mature, not that I can talk.  The movie itself was just OK.  At this point, there's nothing scary about the franchise, not that there ever really was.  It's good for a few good startles, as well as chuckles, but that's about it.

I just finished laundry, but I don't have the heart to start packing for by trip tomorrow.  I'm much better at last minute suitcase stuffing anyhow.

Friday Night

It's Friday and I successfully survived another grueling work week.  This was the worst in a long time.

To reward myself, I had dinner at Long Point Grill.  It was well worth the wait.

I was the trashiest movie On Demand tonight.  "Zombies of Mass Destruction" is the campest thing I've seen in ages, so of course I highly recommend it.  I just hope that does not inspire any zombie-themed dreams.  I have any early day tomorrow.  It's early morning carwash and downtown did get my hair did.  So I need my rest.

The 3rd ranked Gamecock baseball team kicked off their weekend series with a 3-1 win against the top-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores.  Go Cocks!

In tennis news, crybaby Roger Federer lost in the quarterfinals of Monte-Carlo.  Rafa continues to roll. 

The perfect start to a weekend...

Drama

What an interesting day.  ABC announced that they are canceling long-running soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life to Live."  Granted, I'm not a fan of either, strictly being a "Days of Our Lives" kind of guy, but it's still a momentous day in history.

Of course I haven't watched a soap opera in years, but any Southern guy who spent any amount of time with an aunt or grandmother while growing up experienced the bonding ritual of tuning into "the stories."  And any college student who had morning classes and returned to their dorms for a mid-afternoon nap most likely fell asleep to the sweet sounds of courting by the likes of Bo and Hope.

Gone are the days when the soaps ruled the afternoon airwaves.  Like sands through the hourglass...

P.S.  What will Susan Lucci do now?

Wednesday

Another brutal day at work, but at least it's Hump Day.  I had approximately 7 hours of conference calls today.  If I never talk on the phone again, it will be too soon.

I have to go to Charlotte for a few days at some point next week.  I'm just not in the mood for a road trip, but it could be worse I suppose.  I could be gone for a whole week, or have to deal with airports.  So I'll try not to complain.  I'll just hope for nice weather.

I must be really grumpy.  "Survivor" is on right now and I'm not the least bit interested.  TV in general has not captivated me much recently.  Maybe I'm outgrowing it.  Perhaps I'll just stick to listening to NPR.  At least until "True Blood" and "Dexter" begin again.

My Readers

Here are some interesting statistics from my blog.  Below are the rankings of countries from which my readers hail...

I love being global, and I'd REALLY love to hear from all of my readers from around the world.

The Top Ten:

1. United States
2. Denmark
3. Germany
4. United Kingdom
5. Russia
6. Slovenia
7. Japan
8. Canada
9. Netherlands
10. India

I Hate Monday

My recent string of Pollyanna-I-Love-Mondays happiness is OVER!

I am TIRED!

I am GRUMPY!

I need MORE sleep!

And my work colleagues need NOT fuck with me!

Only four more days until complete and utter relaxation.  No tennis.  No driving girls around.  No taking orders.

Just me, my bed, and the TV.

The Cup Runneth Over

After dropping off the Wozniacki clan on the tarmac...

I'm done with the tennis!  And what a day it was...

After a relatively slow start, I was thrown into the high-stakes mix a little after noon---drafted to take Caroline Wozniacki to the airport.

I've never seen so many people scrambling over such a simple task, it was a bit daunting.  But she had to catch a connecting flight in Washington before flying on to Monaco.

Minutes after her win, she was shuffled into the car and we were off to the airport with a double police escort.  One in the front and one in the back.  It was quite exciting actually, and I had moments of being impressed with the importance of my high-speed task.  That was in between the moments of sheer terror as unsuspecting Charleston motorists dared not to give way.

We finally made it to the private airport and I whisked the Wozniacki family onto the tarmac safe and sound.

Mission accomplished.  Until next year...

More Tennis Greats

I had another great day serving as Transportation at the Family Circle Cup.  Met tons of people.  I had about an hour and a half of being in charge.  Highlights include:

• Todd Martin, nice with a lovely wife
• Cliff Drysdale, quite the comic
• Pam Shriver, nicer than ever
• Ms. Scheepers and coach leaving town.  Please come again next year!
• Virginia Wade came in and showed off one of her old wooden racquets from yesteryear.
• And douchebag of the world, John McEnroe.  For the second year in a row, this tiny little troll of a man mistreated a few of my fellow drivers.  I WISH I would get this little cocksucker in my vehicle.  He must be bitter because he's not even really famous for being even one of the five greatest tennis players in history.  Just famous for being an ass.  Seriously, I cannot stand him, and it would serve him right if he falls and breaks his ankle in five places tonight.  Asswipe.  He even pulled an Alec Baldwin and spent quite a few minutes bitching his daughter out over the telephone.

Last day is tomorrow.  I'm a bit sad already.

Tennis Legend

Tonight's shift at the Family Circle Cup was quite eventful.

My first trip was to the Charleston airport to fetch Chris Evert.  She was extremely nice, but a bit under the weather.  I really appreciated the fact that she took the name to ask my name.  It's nice to know that even a legend still knows how to treat people well. 

Take notes, John McEnroe.  He's arriving tomorrow.  I'll keep you posted of any misbehavior.

Caroline Wozniacki scared us all a bit today, but pulled off the win.  Tomorrow's semifinals should be very entertaining.  Too bad I'm working two shifts and will be unable to watch.

Pre-Weekend Celebration

I've never been so happy to see a Thursday.  This has seemed like the longest week ever, and my entire team is really frazzled.

I'm so frazzled, this seems like a good random thought posting....

• Fuckwit Stephen Garcia is in trouble again, and has been suspended from the team indefinitely.  The dummy has had enough changes.  I think it's time for Steve Spurrier to finally give his fat ass the boot.
• I cannot believe they had yet another earthquake in Japan.I nearly forgot to gloat about the Gamecock victory over U.S.C. Upstate the other night.  18-2.  Wow.
• Sabine Lisicki looks to be in a bit of a pickle at the Family Circle Cup tonight.  Oops.  It's over.  6-4, 6-4.  Dammit.  I really like her.  At least Wozniacki won.
• Tomorrow night is my next shift.  Martina and Chris are coming in.  Yes, THE Martina and Chris.  I drove Martina a few years back and she is one of the nicest human beings I've ever met.  Love her.

Night at the FCC

Tonight I finally made it to the Family Circle Cup as a spectator.  Unfortunately the evening was a bit short-lived.

Vania King and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova seemed to have Zheng and Peng's number.  Until the trainer was called out and the match was called.  I'm still not entirely sure what happened.

By that point though, I figured out that I was extremely underdressed and that I was being eaten alive by the noseeums.  So I made the strategic decision to bail on the stadium matches.  Although I could be watching Sabine Lisicki crush Marion Bartoli right now, I'm satisfied with having had my fix of event food and being back in my warm home.

Besides, I'll be working there again Friday night, and that's much more exciting that being in the stands.

Tuesday

What a stormy night!  I think Charleston was spared some of the tornadic activity that hit much of the South, but I was still awakened by a major thunderstorm.  Luckily everything passed through by mid-morning, and no tree limbs hit my car.

Tennis resumed by noon.  Not quite as bad as the rain delays at Wimbledon.

Work was Ok today.  Getting busier.  Sharon left for her first trip to the Charlotte office this afternoon.  Who else can I recruit?

Hmm, what is on TV tonight?  I can't believe I forgot about "Nurse Jackie" Sunday night.  Maybe I'll just play catch-up.  Seems like a good evening for it.

The Windy City

Today was not too bad for a Monday.  That's awesome since I don't feel like I had a very relaxing weekend.

I feel sorry for the ladies who had to play tennis today.  We're having wind gusts of nearly 40 mph and tomorrow is supposed to be stormy.  I guess an entire week of uninterrupted sunny weather would be entirely too much to ask for.  On the bright side, at least it's not freezing.

In other news, Novak beat Rafa yesterday (boo), but South Carolina swept their weekend series against Kentucky (yay).  I think I'll go to the Cup Wednesday or Thursday evening since I'm volunteering Friday night.  It would be nice to actually enjoy some of the tennis for a change, and not just cater to the needs of the twenty-somethings.

More from the Cup

My second day at the Family Circle Cup was more exhausting than the first.

I arrived early for my shift before 10 am, eager to get started.  The first half of the day seemed to be an endless amount of shuttling players between the practice courts and the main site.

A little while later, I was called to duty --- escort Bob Moran to the private airport to pick up Denmark's very own Carolina Wozniacki and her family.  As the number one player in the world and top seed, Caroline received special attention.  I was just the tag-along vehicle for luggage, but I fulfilled my duties with enthusiasm.

After dropping the great Danes off at the Charleston Place hotel, I played shuttle for the other ladies getting ready to attend the annual player party held downtown.  I've only just now recovered from the perfume and non-stop not-so-familiar sounding chatter ringing in my ears.

I managed to break away from my shift a little after 8 pm.  I don't work again until Friday, and I already miss it.  Especially since the Real Housewives of Charleston County were held at bay for most of the day.

Family Circle Cup

I just got in from working my first shift at the tennis tournament.  It was a very long day.  I drove so many people, including old favorites such as Chanelle Scheepers.  My new favorite has to be Austria's Tamira Paszek.  I drove her and her coach several times today and they were a blast to be around.  I hope they stick around all week.

It was also nice to see all the old friends I've made over the years.  Unfortunately it was not so nice to have to deal with a few of the Real Housewives of Charleston County who seem to enjoy their only week of being in a real power position.  Whoever puts them in charge year after year is nuts, but if I get one more earful of their Mommy-speak directed my way, I'll likely shove my credentials down their throat.  Pushy broads.

Weekend!

The weekend is here and I'm ready to rock.

I woke up especially early and drove downtown to the Broad Street Barbershop for my biweekly visit.  I decided to get my weave worked before the masses descended on downtown Charleston tomorrow morning.

It was a fairly uneventful day at work.  I got a decent amount accomplished.

This evening, I had a quick bite to eat and bought new sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond.  I love that store, and I love new Egyptian cotton sheets even more. 

So far the evening is turning out to be a sportsman's wet dream.  Rafa Nadal just demolished crybaby Roger Federer in the semis down in Key Biscayne.  And the Gamecocks currently lead Kentucky in the bottom of the 6th.  I hope I didn't just jinx them.

Tomorrow is my first shift at the Family Circle Cup.  Should be great weather, so everyone come out and see me.  Or the players.